The relationship between post-stroke fatigue and trunk impairment in the subacute phase: a cross-sectional study

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the severity of post-stroke fatigue and trunk impairment, and to identify the associations between specific fatigue characteristics and trunk function. [Participants and Methods] This study included 20 patients with hemiplegia following a first-time stroke who were admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Fatigue was measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and trunk function was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale. Correlation analysis was conducted between the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Trunk Impairment Scale scores. Regression analysis was performed with fatigue characteristics as dependent variables and trunk functions as independent variables. [Results] The prevalence of post-stroke fatigue was 40% (8 patients) at admission. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory scores showed a significant negative correlation with Trunk Impairment Scale scores. Regression analyses of the subscales indicated that static sitting balance was significantly associated with reduced activity; dynamic sitting balance was associated with physical fatigue and reduced activity; and coordination was associated with general, physical, and mental fatigue. [Conclusion] Post-stroke fatigue was significantly correlated with trunk impairment, and fatigue characteristics were associated with specific trunk functions. These findings suggest that assessing trunk function may help manage post-stroke fatigue in the subacute phase.